Saturday, 4 September 2010

What is there to think about?

Did anyone watch a programme last week called Great British Waste Menu?

For any of you who didn't it was programme screened on BBC1 that highlighted the amount of food that our nations supermarkets waste because they have reached their sell by date, are mis-shaped or have torn packaging. The food was analysed and said to be fresh and perfectly edible. After watching this programme I was inspired to approach my local supermarkets and convenience stores to ask them of they could donate some of their 'waste' to the homeless.

I have a friend whose Dad runs a bakery. Therefore it seemed like a good idea to start there. So I called him. I firstly explained what I have been doing to try to help the homeless. I then explained what I wanted him to do to help me. I said "I am not asking you for any of your profitable goods, I am only asking you to donate the bread that has reached it sell by date or is mis- shaped and unable to sell." His immediate reply without even thinking about it was "Well no! Coz I dump it!" I managed to remain calm and I said "well seeing as you do usually 'dump it' can I have all of the bread you would usually dump?" he replied that he would think about it. The conversation did not end there however the end result is that he is still thinking about it. But what on earth is there to think about? Am I being ignorant, is there a valid reason why 'dumped' bread' cannot be donated to those who actually want it, or is he just a fool? tutt tutt

I am yet to actually contact my local supermarkets and convenience stores, although I have drafted out a letter I am yet to send it because I am no longer as confident about the success as I was when I originally thought about it. I promise to send out the letters on Monday, I will follow them up mid - week and let yo all know the feedback.

2 comments:

You're doing a great job with your mission. I truly think that just one person can really make a difference in a huge problem. Homelessness is a big problem in my city also-probably cause the weather is mostly temperate all year long, similar to London I suppose.

We also have the same problem of restaurants, stores, schools, etc just throwing away perfectly good food. Apparently some of the issues for donating the food are legal ones (at least here it is-then again, we are a litigious society!). If someone got sick from the food they might turn around and sue the donator. But other than that-you probably just need to change people's way of thinking and changing their habits.

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About Me

"Do not forget to do good, and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (NIV Hebrew 13:16)
I am a young Christian and I am so shocked that in 2010 we still have such a large degree of extreme poverty. I believe we can all do something to help in one way of another. I feel extremely blessed. I am not rich or overly successful however I eat well and live well and therefore I feel it is only right for me to share my blessings with some of the people who need my help.